Learn what annuities are, how fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, and deferred annuities work, and how they can help provide steady retirement income.

An immediate annuity is a financial product sold by insurance companies that allows you to convert a lump sum of money into a stream of guaranteed income payments. Most people who purchase immediate ...

An immediate annuity is an insurance product that provides guaranteed income: You give an insurer a chunk of money, and the company gives you a stream of payments that can last for life. The payments ...

Immediate fixed annuities and deferred fixed annuities are finding a growing market in the wake of the financial market meltdown. It’s no wonder. Their guaranteed payout rates are more than 8 percent ...

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Not all annuities — or annuity rates — are created equal, though. In ...

Immediate annuities and deferred annuities are two types of financial products that allow individuals to save or begin retirement or other long-term goals. In return, the insurance company agrees to ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bob Carlson researches all facets of retirement finances. Combining annuities with IRAs or 401(k)s can be powerful. Annuities ...

Annuities have a bad reputation due to their complexity, lack of transparency, and limited flexibility. However, for retirees focused on maximizing their spending in retirement, the simplest annuities ...

In the world of small businesses, annuities often fly under the radar. That’s right, those are the things you might associate with your grandparents’ retirement plans. As a business owner, however, ...

For many retirees, the biggest financial fear isn’t a market crash — it’s running out of money. One way to lock in predictable income for life — and avoid the nightmare of running out of money in ...